And the event, to be held at the All Veterans Park next to the high school at 11 a.m., isn’t like the somber Memorial Day ceremony also held there, said Veterans Advisory Board Chairman Bob Abbott.

“It’s a celebration for all veterans because it’s not a memorial service like on Memorial Day,” Abbott said. “It’s to celebrate everybody who has been in the service.”

Veterans Day was formerly known as Armistice Day and was made a legal holiday in 1938 to honor the veterans of World War I. After veterans returned from World War II however, it was legally changed in 1954 to Veterans Day to celebrate veterans of all wars.

The township has been holding its ceremony for well over two decades, Abbott said.

This year, the audience will hear from Vietnam veteran Anthony Galasso, who served in the Marine Corps and earned both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

Another surprise special guest will be in attendance, as well as Mayor Barbara Wallace and recently re-elected Sen. Fred Madden (D-4 of Washington Township) who will speak.

The Washington Township JROTC programs will present the colors, and the Washington Township High School Concert Band, directed by Casey Corigliano, will play patriotic music for the event. Abbott said this year they’re awarding both groups with plaques to thank them for their years of participation. Corigliano’s wife, Nicole Corigliano, as well as first-grade teacher Stacy Gorodetzer will be singing as well.

Abbott said the event is open to anyone and he encourages families to come out and celebrate.